Engine issues make up over half of the 2015 Kia Optima’s registered complaints. Recalls and investigations include problems with leaking high-pressure fuel pumps, dead power-steering, broken throttle controls, and non-deployment of airbags.
Key Points
- The 2015 Kia Optima has three recalls, two investigations, and 429 complaints, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Two of 2015 Kia Optima’s three recalls are for leaking brake fluid that can seep into the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit, cause a short, and ruin the unit.
- One ongoing investigation is for petitioners wanting a solution for a faulty throttle control system causing sudden acceleration, limping, and loss of braking power.
- The most-reported owner complaints include engines seizing, stalling, and even bursting into flames. Other complaints mention loss of power steering and glitchy electronics.
2015 Kia Optima has Three Recalls Involving Leaking Brake Fluid and Faulty High-pressure Fuel Pump
As per the NHTSA, two recalls for the 2015 Optima are for fried Hydraulic Electronic Control Units, due to leaking brake fluid. This unit is the heart of the ABS and helps control the flow of brake fluid during an ABS intervention. The leaking fluid seeps into the control unit, causing an electrical short, and ruining it.
The other recall is for a leaking high-pressure fuel pump. This issue persists in cars that have received an engine replacement under an earlier recall. During the engine swap, the high-pressure fuel pump might have been misaligned, damaged, or not torqued properly.
2015 Optima has Two Open Investigations for Glitchy Throttle Control and Non-deployment of Airbags
The 2015 Kia Optima has a recent investigation, opened in November 2021. This is based on a petition pointing at a faulty throttle control system to cause issues. This includes sudden acceleration, crawling, sudden loss of power, and even stalling. Various electrical defects and vulnerabilities in the throttle control system are stated as the cause.
The second open NHTSA investigation for the 2015 Kia Optima over non-deployment of airbags was launched in April 2019. The investigation points at faulty airbag sensors as the culprit. A closer look shows the electrical overstress of a component that monitors signals from the crash sensor causes this issue. There is still no concrete idea of what leads to this overstress.
More than Half of the 2015 Kia Optima Owner Complaints Registered with the NHTSA are for Engine and Gearbox Issues
The 2015 Optima has a notoriously high count of engine and gearbox complaints. Of the 429 complaints registered with the NHTSA, 262 are for engine-related issues.
Most of the owner’s complaints are about leaking engine oil. This often leads to stalling, which accounts for a major set of owner complaints as well. Due to weak internals, engine oil leaks into the combustion chamber, resulting in white smoke, burning oil, and engine seizure.
A concerning number of owners complain of their 2015 Optimas going up in flames. This is because of a faulty high-pressure pump causing fuel leakages. Thankfully, one of the NHTSA recalls covers this issue.
Many 2015 Optima owners have also complained of limping, even under full throttle. This problem has its roots in the faulty hydraulic control unit that has resulted in a recall as well.
All of these powertrain issues also fiddle with the electrical system and cause outrages, with many complaints about the “Check Engine”, “Oil Pressure”, and “ABS” lights popping up.
On the flip side, there are complaints of cars stalling and the engine seizing without any warning lights. This shows the 2015 Optima’s unpredictable electrical system.
Other 2015 Optima Complaints Include Loss of Power Steering, Malfunctioning Electricals, and Flying Antenna Fins
Many 2015 Optima owners have complained about dead power steering while driving. This issue only pertains to 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid models and has been traced to faulty parts of the hybrid system, which end up affecting the power steering module.
Electrical malfunctioning also disrupts the working of features like the Collision Avoidance System. Many owners also report failing headlamps and taillights, making it difficult and dangerous to drive at night.
Owners have also complained of chipping exterior paint, specifically with the Snow White Pearl shade. A few instances of the antenna shark fins flying off have also been reported, due to poor fastening screws.
Despite Problems, the 2015 Kia Optima is a Reliable and Practical Sedan
Spontaneously bursting into flames and losing steering control on the highway are pretty serious issues. But Kia also sold the highest number of Optimas in 2015 with over 159,400 units. This implies that only a small bunch of 2015 Kia Optimas is plagued with serious issues.
Also, J.D. Power has given the 2015 Optima an impressive 82/100 in the Consumer Rating with a score of 83 for its Quality and Reliability. A five-star safety rating by NHTSA adds to its goodwill, and speaks of its safety features and build quality.
Going for a used 2015 Kia Optima is an affordable option. Since the ownership experience is soothing at $470 per year for maintenance, according to Repair Pal. The most expensive repairs will be related to engines and would cost upwards of $3,000. Thankfully, expensive issues are rare. Make sure you pick one that has a recorded service history with an authorized Kia dealership.
Photos: Kia
